Jean Demouthe is a geologist in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology, California Academy of Science in San Francisco, CA. She has worked for the Academy since October 1973 and holds the position of Senior Collections Manager for Geology. As collection manager her responsibilities involve the organization, documentation, and storage of several million specimens, including fossils, microfossils, minerals, gemstones, and meteorites. Dr. DeMouthe also contributes to the exhibits and education programs at the Academy, and has been an active field trip leader. She teaches collections management and the conservation of objects in the graduate Museum Studies program at San Francisco State University. This work is an attempt to provide information and guidance on all aspects of caring for and documenting mineral collections, for professionals and amateurs alike. It is dedicated to everyone who shares a love of minerals, and those who care for and about collections.http://www.minsocam.org/msa/Monographs/